Business Daily Media

Fair Work Ombudsman speaks your language with instant website translation

  • Written by Media Release
It is now easier than ever for overseas workers and linguistically diverse communities to find out about their workplace rights and obligations, with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website now accessible in 40 languages other than English.



Visitors to www.fairwork.gov.au can now instantly translate website content, including fact sheets, information guides and templates, with just the click of a button.
 
The new functionality is the latest in a series of initiatives by the regulator aimed at making it easier for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to seek workplace assistance.
 
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said that her agency is strongly committed to ensuring that all people working in Australia are equipped with the tools and information they need to stand up for their workplace rights.
 
“Language barriers can represent a significant obstacle to workers seeking to find out what their rights and entitlements are, knowing where and how to seek help with workplace issues, or having the confidence to speak up,” Ms James said.
 
“We know that this can leave workers vulnerable to exploitation and we see far too many examples where people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, particularly visa holders, are treated unfairly and unlawfully in the workplace.
 
“We also want to ensure that new arrivals who are interested in starting businesses in Australia have easy access to the information they need to comply with workplace laws.”
 
Ms James said that the real-time translated content would enable those with limited English skills to more easily find the information that they need, when they need it.
 
“We are here to help all employers and employees in Australia to understand their workplace rights and obligations – regardless of which language they speak,” Ms James said.
 
The new website functionality follows the launch of six in-language videos in November last year aimed at raising awareness of Australian workplace laws amongst visa-holders.
 
Earlier last year, Natalie James wrote an open letter to international students urging them to speak up if they have any concerns in relation to their employment.
 
This followed the launch of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s popular Anonymous Report function in 16 languages other than English, which allows visa-holders to report workplace concerns anonymously to the agency in their own language.
 
Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50

Follow the Fair Work Ombudsman on twitter @fairwork_gov_au or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au.

Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s media releases direct to your email inbox at www.fairwork.gov.au/mediareleases.

Preliminary clearance rates dip as capital city auction activity rises

With the spring selling season just around the corner, auction activity rose above the 2,000 mark for the first time in nine weeks, with 2,018 homes...

Property

It’s a tough market for renters – here’s how to make the most of your rental

Licensed real estate agent and proptech expert, Scott Shepherd from PropertyMe shares his top tips from over two decades in the industry The rate...

Property

Creating an Inviting Office Space for Your Employees

As the workplace continues to evolve, employers are looking for ways to create an inviting office space for their employees. By creating a space that ...

Business Training

5 Top Secrets for Those Interested in Using Bitcoin

Over the past decade, cryptocurrency has become one of the most popular payment methods in the world. Various crypto coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum...

Business Training

Investor News: Perth Real Estate and the Indian Ocean Dipole

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a result of sustained changes in the temperature of the ocean's surface. In its neutral phase, it does not influenc...

Property

The Rising $10,000 Problem for Queensland Homeowners

When it comes to termites, sharing a home with thousands of invasive creepy crawlies isn’t a Queensland homeowner’s only worry. A recent report rele...

Property